+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
Morning Reading: Mark 1:40-45 (NLT)
A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
Morning Prayer
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and thank you for all that you will bring us as the day unfolds. Lord, accept and bless our work.
+ You offered yourself to the Father on our behalf – join our offering with yours.
+ You are gentle and humble of heart – teach us to receive others as you did.
+ As this day begins, may your light rise in our hearts – may it shine forth in compassion to the world.
+ Show your mercy to those who are sick – may each new day increase their trust in you.
Almighty, ever-living God, we pray to you at morning, noon and evening: dispel from our hearts the darkness of sin, and bring us to the true light, Christ Jesus your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
“Kingdom Come” – Covenant Worship
Lord we pray Your kingdom come | Lord we pray Your will be done | Every eye behold the One | Seated high upon His throne
Every tongue confess that You are Lord | When Your kingdom comes
Everything changes everything changes | When Your kingdom comes | Let Your kingdom come | The earth is shaking chains are breaking | As Your kingdom comes let Your kingdom come
Lord we pray the lame would leap | Lord we pray the blind would see | Every sickness must be healed | As Your glory is revealed | And everyone will know that You are Lord | Let Your kingdom come
Mountains have to move | Every chain is loosed | God we declare | Your kingdom is here | Everyone will see | Fall down at Your feet | God we declare | Your kingdom is here
Blessing
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
Morning Reading: Mark 1:29-39 (NLT)
After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Morning Prayer
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ: you were not ashamed to call me your brother.
+ Help me to live the new life of Easter – so that all may know the power of your love through me.
+ Every day is a proof of your love – as you bring me to this new day, make me new in mind and in heart.
+ Teach me to see you present in all mankind – help me to recognize you most in those who suffer.
+ May my life today be filled with your compassion – give me the spirit of forgiveness and a generous heart.
God my Savior, by grace through faith, you have made me a child of light. Hear my prayer that I may always walk in the light of your love and work for the truth as your witness before men. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“Power of Your love”– Olso Gospel Choir
Blessing
Now to him who by his power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine — to him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever, amen! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!r
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.
Morning Reading: Romans 13:11-13 (NLT)
Time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
Morning Reading: Mark 1:21-28 (NLT)
Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority — quite unlike the teachers of religious law.
Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
Jesus cut him short. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.
Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
Morning Prayer
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, the high priest of our faith – our Savior and our God.
+ Almighty King, you have made us a royal priesthood – may we offer you a constant sacrifice of praise.
+ Help us to live according to your Word and Spirit – may we dwell in you, and you in us.
+ Come to us Everlasting Wisdom – dwell with us and work in our daily decision-making.
+ Help us to be considerate and kind – grant that we may bring joy, not pain, to those we meet.
Look with favor on our morning prayer, Lord, and in your saving love let your light penetrate the hidden places of our hearts. May no sordid desires darken our minds, renewed and enlightened as we are by your heavenly grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“Awakening” – Hillsong
Blessing
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.
Morning Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (NLT)
“Come Follow Me” Randy Friemel
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
Morning Prayer
As the new day begins, praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is the fullness of grace and the Spirit of God.
+ We praise you, Lord, and we thank you for all your blessings – Lord, give us your Spirit.
+ Give us peace of mind and generosity of heart – Lord, grant us health and strength to do your will.
+ May your love be with us during the day – Lord, guide us in our work.
+ Be with all those who have asked for our prayers – Lord, grant them all their needs.
Lord, be the beginning and end of all that we do and say. Prompt our actions with your grace, and complete them with your all-powerful help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow”– Mark Murchison
Blessing
God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper. (Numbers 6:24-26)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!r
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer:
Open the heavens, almighty Father, and pour out your Spirit upon your people as we gather in prayer. Renew the power of our baptismal cleansing and fill us with zeal for good deeds. Let us hear your voice once again, that we may recognize in your beloved Son our certain hope of inheriting eternal life. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.
__________
Hymn: “Comfort, comfort ye my people” – Conrad Grebel College Chapel Choir
Comfort, comfort O my people; speak of peace: thus says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning deep at sorrow’s load. Speak unto Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell her all her sins I cover and that warfare now is over.
Hark the voice of one who’s crying in the desert far and near, calling all to true repentance, since the Kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise to meet Him and the hills bow down to greet Him.
Oh make straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits His holy reign. For the glory of the Lord now on earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token that His word is never broken.
__________
A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (NLT)
[Christians believe Isaiah’s words refer to Jesus, the true shepherd: he is ‘the glory of the Lord’]
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”
Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”
_____
O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!”
Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
__________
A Reading from Psalms: Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 9-10 (NLT)
Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
_____
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
_____
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever.
__________
“Psalm 29 – HeartSong” – Cedarville University
__________
A Reading from the Letters: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (NLT)
[Salvation is possible for all people, because of God’s great compassion, which we see in the gift of baptism.]
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel — that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 (NLT)
[The events celebrated today are described in the Gospel of Luke.]
The Baptism of the Christ Daniel Bonell (1999) Saint George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, Israel
Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
_____
One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
__________
Hymn: “Beneath the Waters” – Hillsong
__________
Intercessions:
God of grace and glory, renew the face of the earth – and begin with us… as we bring our needs before you:
+ For all baptized believers – that we may live out our professions of faith in our everyday circumstances…. Lord, hear us.
+ For young people preparing for Confirmation – that their faith may grow as the Spirit brings wisdom and understanding…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all adult believers – that we may be good examples of Christian faith and practice to young people…. Lord, hear us.
+ For newborn babies, and all who will soon be baptized – that their parents will raise them to make their own professions of faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ For expectant mothers, and parents hoping for a baby – that their dream of a happy, healthy child may become a reality…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the people suffering as a result of war, violence and natural disaster – that they may be given the help they need to rebuild their lives…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and relatives who have gone before us in faith – that they may enter into the joys of eternal life…. Lord, hear us.
Loving God, your creative Spirit renews humanity and sustains us always: hear our prayers and, by your grace, transform us into your likeness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Revival” – Robin Mark
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Benediction:
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 